So you've determined that you need a cloud hosted PBX solution for your business. Great, but it may be easy to get intimidated by all the services out there, and the transition steps. Don't worry, this guide will break it down for you.

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What is Cloud Hosted PBX VoIP?

PBX stands for Private Branch Exchange, while the Cloud Hosted prefix refers to the manner in which telephone system hardware is stored and maintained virtually. With Hosted PBX, a provider is responsible for the storage and maintenance of phone system hardware. As a result, the system is completely managed off-site, with no installation or IT costs to the subscriber. Businesses enjoy the ability to uniquely monitor and micro-manage their phone systems via their web-based control panel. Hosted solutions are popular among small to medium sized businesses (approximately 300 lines or less) looking to take their communications to the next level.

Hosted PBX Features & Benefits

Hosted PBX offers a wealth of benefits such as cost, scalability, and redundancy. Additionally, solutions come standard with features like call routing, transfer, call waiting, on-hold music, and more. As this service has grown in popularity over the year, more exclusive offerings have rolled out, including extension dialing, ACD queues, and auto attendant to name a few. Hosted solutions make efficient use of office space, budgets, IT staff, as well as web connectivity. Hosted PBX services are also one of the most secure of offerings, where the provider has a vested interest in protecting your phone system and keeping it running at its best.

Communications are wholly unified, eliminating the need for multiple sets of wiring and other redundancies - simply plug IP hardware into a router. Newer applications from Hosted PBX systems are incredibly flexible, and in having an external party provide the service, employees may access their phone system anywhere there's Internet; from their personal mobile devices. Adding features is typically as simple as a click or download, with flexibility and integration options constantly rolling. Accessability

Don't Forget To...

Make Arrangements Regarding Your New (Temporary?) Phone Number - This can vary depending on what your decision is regarding porting your number. if you are porting over your existing number, DO NOT cancel with your existing provider until the number is completely ported to the new carrier. If you have a new number, be sure and let everyone know, say, with an email blast; if you have a temporary number (which is needed during the number porting process), it may be easiest to have all calls routed to your cell phones for the brief time that your number is being ported. More on Number Porting.

Tip: If you cancel your service with your old carrier before your number is ported, you'll lose it.

Configure Your Dial Plan - One of the first things you need to do is organize how your calls will be routed. You'll have to define a number of call rules, including:*What hours for your desk phones to ring*How to handle off-hours—whether calls go to voice mail or another phone, such as your cell*How to handle faxes*What buttons activate certain features, like pressing 1 for voice mail*Setting your dial-by-name directory*Simultaneous and sequential ringing/Find me & follow me rules

Tip: Be sure to configure your E-911 settings when you first set up your PBX

Review Your Bill - Review the first and second month's bill to make sure that you have all the services you paid for. There are setup fees that may or may not be waived, activation fees, and number porting fees. If there's something you don't understand about your bill, be sure to call in to customer support, as they will explain it to you or fix the problem.

Write a Review - Share your experience with the world. Other people will get to gain from what you learned along the way. Talk about pleasant and unpleasant surprises, too. Other potential customers will want to know your experience. Review here.

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